What are some real-world examples of the decorator pattern?

What are some real-world examples of the decorator pattern?

The decorator pattern is used to add new functionality to an object dynamically. A common example is in GUI frameworks, where you can add features like borders or scroll bars to windows.

Can you give me another example?

Sure! In Java, the InputStream and OutputStream classes use decorators to add functionality like buffering or data compression.

How does it differ from inheritance?

Unlike inheritance, which creates a new class, the decorator pattern allows behavior to be added to individual objects at runtime without modifying their structure.

Are there any downsides to using the decorator pattern?

Yes, it can lead to a complex system of decorators that may be hard to manage and understand, especially if overused.